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Competing with the Joneses?

Ah the Joneses, you know them; actually everyone knows them
as we run out and purchase this new gadget, a more expensive car, etc, just to
keep up with them. But did you know that the phrase came from a popular early
1900’s comic strip and we have used this phrase as a benchmark for our perceived
socio-economic status ever since. Perhaps you were taught that you need to
compete with everyone else, friends, family and neighbor alike as you continually
compare your material possessions of those of others as the determination of yours and everyone else's net
worth?

It is certainly true in America that
if it can be bought, measured or admired, then someone has one that is better
than someone else’s and if they do they are somehow better than everyone else.

Don’t get me wrong, I love nice things and there's nothing
wrong with having nice things.... JUST NOT to the point of obsession. Some people go to extreme lengths to keep up with those mythical people that they go into debt, sometimes in the tens of thousands
in order to impress them.How silly is
that? Is this mental hogwash? Why is that?

In the not too distant past I too enjoyed that Mercedes
convertible with butter leather interior, the grand home and prestigious Vice Presidency. At this point in my life though, I really don’t
care who has the TV with the most gadgets, who has the most regal house, best
car, thickest green lawn or career. Sorry Clooney, but that’s not why I want to kick
back with you and enjoy a beer. Why the change in me? I realized that you can’t
take it with you and there’s so much more rewarding things in life than what we
materially acquire, like the feeling you get when touched by the hand of someone
that you care about; the smile that appears on your face when observing a child discovering
something new; the joy in the eyes of a friends when they're reunited; the sight of an incredible sunset as it fills the surrounding
clouds with melon, crimson and cotton candy; or the intoxicating fragrance of a
sweet flower as if infiltrates your nostrils, reminding you of the deliciousness
of life.

Every time I think about a purchase, I check in with myself on the reason for the purchase before I plop down that credit card, comparing it to one of the above miraculous experiences. Most times I determine that I really do not need that item. Try it and see what you think.

PS - I LOVE questions, so please keep them coming! I answer
every one and depending on the topic, add them to a question and answer section
at the bottom of each article. There are no stupid questions, just unasked
ones. We are all here to help each other.Open your heart and share your question. You just may be helping another
by asking it. To shy to post a comment. That's okay, email me.